BTEC National Extended Diploma in Art and Design

Exam Board: Edexcel

Course Content:

Students will need to complete 6 units to gain the BTEC Level 3 Foundation Diploma (1 ½ A Levels) in Art and Design; then an additional 7 units to gain the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art & Design (3 A Levels).

This is a task-based assessment where students submit a portfolio of evidence to a pre-released theme. This allows students to showcase their visual recording and communication skills. (9 hrs)

Critical and Contextual Studies in Art and Design

Students investigate art and design practitioners around a given theme and produce a written document which assesses their research skills and their ability to critically analyse text and images. (3 hrs)

Managing a Client Brief

Students are given a client pack outlining the brief and information on the client’s organization. They develop a creative proposal which addresses the needs of client and demonstrates their creative ideas. (5 hrs)

Developing and Realising Creative Intentions

Students develop a creative response to a set theme. They produce a portfolio of art and design work that showcases their creative ideas and demonstrates how they have developed their creative project. (15 hrs)

Internally Marked Units

There are three mandatory units that are internally marked:

The Creative Process Students explore and experiment with idea generation techniques and contextual research activities. They will then apply their own creative process to a piece of art and design work, reflecting on what they have learnt and how it can inform future practice.

Materials, Techniques and Processes in Art & Design Students explore a range of materials techniques and processes across a number of art and design disciplines and produce an outcome that responds to a set theme and design brief.

Developing an Art & Design Portfolio Students explore a range of portfolios and how they are used in different ways throughout the art and design sector. Students will plan and structure their own portfolio and prepare an artist’s or designer’s statement that highlights their abilities. They will put together a final selection of their work for a particular purpose.

Pupils also study six additional specialist units that are internally marked.

Assessment:

Assessment is done through ongoing assessment and externally marked units. All units must be passed to complete the course.

Grade C or above in creative subjects. Creativity and enthusiasm for Art and Design. Ability to explore, evaluate and explain Art and Design techniques and outcomes. Interest in the work of Artists and Designers, Fine Art, Photography, Textiles, Graphic Design, Fashion, Digital Art.

*Course is subject to change once other examination boards release information about alternative vocational courses